The Classical Orchestra

The Classical Orchestra

Formation and Size

• The size of an orchestra during the classical period was typically larger than in the Baroque era, but smaller than in Romantic period. Usually comprised of 30-60 players.
• Divided into four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Instrumentation

• String section: Violins (first and second), violas, cellos and double basses formed the backbone of the classical orchestra.
• Woodwinds: Composed of two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, and two bassoons.
• Brass section: Generally, two French horns and two trumpets. Other brass instruments like Trombones were added later.
• Percussion: Mostly timpani (kettledrums), though some pieces also used cymbals, bass drum and triangle.

Evolution

• The Harpsichord, a core instrument of the Baroque era, largely disappeared from the orchestra during the classical period.
• The clarinet was a new addition and gained popularity during this period.
• The classical era saw significant evolution and technical enhancements in the design of many instruments, especially the piano, which began to replace the harpsichord.

Significant Composers

• Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven are the three main figures associated with the classical orchestra.
• These composers increased the size of the orchestra and expanded its range of expression, bringing it to new levels of dramatic power.

Orchestra Music Forms

• Music forms like symphonies, concertos, and sonatas were predominantly composed for the classical orchestra.
• A Symphony is generally a four-movement piece, starting with a fast movement, followed by a slow movement, then a dance-like movement, and closing with another fast movement.
• Concertos typically highlighted a solo instrument accompanied by the orchestra.